Rangers' Hamilton Admits to Drinking on Monday

All-Star says he lied to friend to hide drinking

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Josh Hamilton apologized to his family, fans and teammates for what he called a moment of weakness after reports surfaced he had been drinking Monday at a Dallas bar.

Updated at 3:27 PM EDT on Friday, Feb 3, 2012

Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton apologized Friday to not only fans, but those who struggle with addiction and look up to him as a role model.

Reports surfaced Thursday night that Hamilton, who has been remarkably open about his struggles with drugs and alcohol addiction, was spotted drinking in a Dallas bar Monday night.

Hamilton called a press conference to discuss the allegations where he said he had stopped for dinner and ended up ordering a drink in a moment of weakness.

"I cannot take a break from my recovery. My recovery is Christ. My recovery is an everyday process. When I take one day off it leaves me open for a moment of weakness. It's always been that way," Hamilton said.

Hamilton said the one drink turned into 3 or 4 and then he called teammate Ian Kinsler to come hang out.

Kinsler joined Hamilton and the two talked about baseball, family and life. Hamilton said Kinsler had no idea he'd been drinking because he is good at hiding it.

The pair continued to hang out and talk, eventually moving to a different restaurant before Kinsler needed to return home. Before leaving, Hamilton said Kinsler asked he was going to go out again and Hamilton said he told his friend "no" and that he lied.

"He [Kinsler] said, 'You're not going to go back out or anything are you?' and I said, 'No, I'm in. I'm good.' And, I did exactly what I told him I wasn't doing."

Hamilton said after Kinsler left he continued to sneak drinks in between taking photos with fans.

While explaining the events of that night, Hamilton didn't make any excuses about why he turned to alcohol.

"It was just wrong. That's all it comes down to. I needed to be in a different place. I needed to be responsible in that moment and I was not responsible. Those actions hurt a lot of people that are very close to me," said Hamilton. "Anytime I drink there's a point where a switch flips and you never know where that point is going to be reached -- first three or four or the 15th. That's what's so dangerous about it."

Hamilton said no illegal drugs were used and that he has taken two drug tests since that night. Hamilton then apologized to fans, kids and anyone who looks up to him, including those struggling with addiction.

The All-Star outfielder said the Rangers have shown nothing but support during this most recent struggle and said that they will only continue to support him as he works through his addiction.